Things to do in Trelleborg – 10 attractions and experiences

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: October 2026 | Looking for things to do in Trelleborg? Sweden's southernmost city is perhaps best known for its palm trees, large ferry port and proximity to Smygehuk, Sweden's southernmost cape. But it's also home to exciting Viking history, lush parks, public art and charming marinas. We've visited Trelleborg many times and here are our top ten tips.

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Our best tips for Trelleborg – palm trees, Vikings and sea

We have been to Trelleborg many times over the years, not least with the camper and in connection with ferry trips to and from the continent. But we have also taken the opportunity to discover the city itself and its surroundings, and there is much more to see here than you might first imagine.

1. Make a photo stop at the city's palm trees

Trelleborg is often called the City of Palms, and it's not hard to see why. Along Strandgatan stands an avenue of stately palm trees that give the Skåne coastal town an almost southern feel. This is a popular photo opportunity, especially during the summer, and of course we also took the opportunity to photograph the palm trees.

The first palm trees came to Trelleborg from Alicante in Spain in 1984. Since the Swedish winter climate is not really suitable for palm trees, they have to spend the cold season indoors, and then be moved back outside in the spring. In addition to the large palm trees along Strandgatan, you can usually see smaller palm trees in several places in the city.

2. Explore the Viking fortress Trelleborgen

One of the most exciting sights in Trelleborg is undoubtedly Trelleborgen. Here you can experience a reconstruction of part of the mighty ringfort that stood on the site during the Viking Age, in the 9th century. The remains of the castle were first discovered in the 1980s, and the find was sensational.

The discovery also helped explain the name of the city. Trelleborg was a so-called ring castle, with a circular defensive structure and strong wooden structures. The original castle was about 140 meters in diameter and had four gates, connected by roads that crossed each other. It is usually associated with the Danish Viking king Harald Bluetooth, who ruled over large areas of the Nordic region during the 9th century.

Today, about a quarter of the castle can be seen reconstructed. The area also features Viking-inspired environments, buildings and exhibitions that tell the story of life during this time. When we visited the site, we also discovered a pond with lots of frogs – a slightly unexpected bonus during our historical visit!

3. Stroll in the lush city park

In the middle of Trelleborg is the beautiful city park, which we really think is worth a visit. There are large trees, green lawns, walking paths and two ponds called Svandammarna. When we were here it was full of birds, and we stood for a long time to look and enjoy the beautiful environment.

We have also seen chickens and peacocks in the park, and there is both a playground and several works of art. Among other things, you can discover Axel Ebbe's sculpture Flare and Ralf Borselius's small imaginative figures. The city park is a lovely place for a leisurely walk, a break on a park bench or perhaps a picnic under the trees.

4. Discover Trelleborg's public art

Something we like to do when we visit a city is to look for public art. Sculptures and installations can both beautify a place, arouse curiosity and tell something about the city's history. Trelleborg has plenty of artwork to discover, and it's great to do your own little art walk.

In the city park there are, among other things, the charming figures Small creatures by Ralf Borselius, who we have photographed. Another name that recurs in Trelleborg is the artist Axel Ebbe, who was born in the area and has left a clear mark on public art.

Art is not only found in the city. At Smygehuk, for example, we have photographed both Embrace, a sculpture by Axel Ebbe where a woman reaches out towards the sea, and the installation Euphoria of the senses, which is about the encounter with the sea. We really like this type of discovery, where you can combine a walk with art, history and new impressions.

5. Visit museums in Trelleborg

For those interested in history, art and culture, there are several museums to discover in Trelleborg. We must admit that we have not yet had time to visit the city's museums, but some of them are on our list for future visits.

On Trelleborg Museum You can delve into the history of the city and the region, including through archaeological finds and stories about life in the area through the ages. Axel Ebbe's Art Gallery is another interesting destination, especially for those who have become curious about the artist's sculptures in the city.

There are also smaller museums with special focuses, including shipping and local history. For those of us who like to combine city walks with cultural experiences, the museums feel like a natural next step when we return to Trelleborg.

6. Admire the historic S Nicolai Church

In the center of Trelleborg is S Nicolai Church, a beautiful church building with a long history. The church is named after Saint Nicholas, who is considered the patron saint of sailors, which is fitting in a city that has had such a strong connection to the sea for so long.

The oldest parts of the church date back to the Middle Ages, probably the 13th century, but the building has been altered several times over the centuries. The church received its current appearance largely in the 1880s. If you like old churches and historical architecture, this is a nice place to stop during a walk through Trelleborg.

7. Check out the stately water tower

One of Trelleborg's most prominent landmarks is the tall water tower, which rises above the city. The tower was built in 1912 according to drawings by the well-known architect Ivar Tengbom and is about 58 meters high.

We think it is an impressive building, and it is easy to spot when moving through Trelleborg. The water tower is a fine example of how even a practical building can have a lavish and beautiful design. On our previous visit, there was also a café and a bistro next to the tower, so the place has also been used as a nice stop for food and coffee.

8. Enjoy the harbor life in Gislöv's location

Just east of central Trelleborg lies Gislöv, a small coastal community with a charming harbor. Here you will find small boats, piers and an environment that is perfect for a relaxing walk by the sea.

We particularly like these types of places, where it's nice to just stroll around and look at the boats. During our visit, we also saw the veteran boat pier, and in the harbor area there is the opportunity to sit down for a coffee during the season.

Gislöv's location may not be a place with large, spectacular sights, but it is precisely the small-scale and peaceful nature that makes it so pleasant. On a sunny summer day, it is a nice excursion destination for those who want to experience a bit of the Skåne coastal feel.

9. Take a trip to Smygehuk – Sweden's southernmost cape

One of the most obvious excursions from Trelleborg is to Smygehuk, about 14 kilometers east of the city. Here you will find Sweden's southernmost cape, where a sign and a lookout point mark the southernmost point on the Swedish mainland. The coordinates are 55 degrees, 20 minutes and 13 seconds north latitude.

We have visited Smygehuk and think it is a really nice excursion destination. When we were here we actually had to queue for a while to have our photo taken at the southernmost point, even though it was early in the day and not yet the real high season. First we helped some German cyclists get their photo taken!

But Smygehuk is more than just a geographical extreme. Here you will find a charming marina, old fishing huts, the Merchant's Store, a historic lime kiln and several works of art. We were captivated by Axel Ebbes, among other things. Embrace and Euphoria of the senses. The area also has restaurants, ice cream and crafts, especially during the summer months.

READ MORE: Smygehuk in Skåne - Sweden's southernmost cape

10. Take the ferry from Trelleborg to the continent

For us, Trelleborg is strongly associated with ferry trips. We have come here many times with our motorhome to continue further into Europe, or returned to Sweden after a longer trip. There is something special about driving on board a ferry and knowing that a new country awaits on the other side of the sea.

Trelleborg is one of Sweden's most important ferry ports and offers connections to several ports around the Baltic Sea. Among other things, there are ferries to Rostock and Travemünde in Germany as well as connections to Poland and Lithuania. Routes and departures are subject to change, so always check current options with the shipping companies before your trip.

Even if you don't travel by ferry yourself, the port is an important part of Trelleborg's identity. For us, the city has become both a place to discover and a familiar gateway to the continent.

READ MORE: Ferry Trelleborg-Rostock – by car or camper

Where can you stay or park your camper in Trelleborg?

In Trelleborg there are different types of accommodation, from hotels and bed & breakfasts to holiday apartments. One option is, for example Hotel Dannegården, located in the city.

Camping and motorhome pitches in Trelleborg

For those traveling by motorhome or caravan, there are several options in and around Trelleborg:

• Trelleborg Strand Camping: Camping by the coast on Dalköpinge beach road, with spaces for motorhomes and caravans as well as cottages.
• Motorhome parking Center: Motorhome parking at Fyrmästaregatan, near central Trelleborg.
• Nybostrand: Camping and motorhome sites at Gislöv location, near the sea.
• Trelleborg Golf Club: Has offered parking spaces for motorhomes adjacent to the golf course.
• Sörby: An alternative in the countryside near Anderslöv, for those who prefer a quieter location.

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